Did bikes have belt drives?

The belt drive has been around for many years in both bicycles as well as motorcycles — Harley Davidson, for example, has been using belt drives since 1992. Belt drives only work with internal gear hubs and require a split in the frame in the rear triangle.

1. Are belt driven bikes any good?
2. Are belt drive bikes slower?
3. What are belt drive bikes like?
4. Is belt or chain drive better?
5. Is chain drive better than belt drive?
6. Is bike chain or belt better?
7. Which is stronger belt or chain?
8. How long do Gates belts last?
9. Do belt drive bikes have gears?
10. Do Belt drives have gears?
11. Are belt drive bikes Good for hills?
12. Why do motorcycles have belt drives?
13. Why do sport bikes have chains?

Are belt driven bikes any good?

Belt drives are superior to chain drives in many aspects. They are easier to clean and maintain, last longer, and are quieter and smoother as well. However, they are also more expensive, which raises the overall price of the bikes who have them integrated.

Are belt drive bikes slower?

Belts are less efficient at low power inputs- If you're just cycling casually, you'll burn more energy while riding a belt drive bike vs a chain drive. Belt drives may cause the bottom bracket and rear hub to wear out faster- This happens because belts run at a much higher tension than chains.

What are belt drive bikes like?

A belt drive is manufactured with carbon fibres through the core. This allows a belt drive to be much lighter than a bike chain but also gives it inherent strength. Light and tough. This toughness means unless you abuse the belt drive it can last a long time with durability to be cost effective.

Is belt or chain drive better?

Belt-drive garage door openers are generally more expensive than chain-drive systems. But with a belt-drive system, you get a smoother, quieter, and more durable operation. Many homeowners find that the extra expense is worth it, provided that the belt-drive system is able to lift the door.

Is chain drive better than belt drive?

It is evident that the two drives function the same way, but a chain drive is more durable than a belt drive. Unlike belt drives, chain drives can lift and move more massive doors, which is why many prefer it. Chain drives are best for steel carriages and not suitable for less heavy door models.

Is bike chain or belt better?

Summary. This lab test has determined that chains are between 0.3% and 1.0% more efficient at low power outputs (under 212 watts), while belts are more efficient at high power outputs (over 212 watts). Things get a bit more muddied for the chain when we factor in different chain lubricant options.

Which is stronger belt or chain?

For starters, belts don't need lubrication so they're cleaner. ... Today's synchronous (toothed) belts are as strong as chains and not much wider, but they can't wrap as tightly so they need a larger countershaft pulley (and correspondingly large rear pulley to attain the proper gear ratio) than a chain setup.

How long do Gates belts last?

Belt drive combined with a Pinion gearbox on a Hilite bicycle. You can expect a regularly cleaned belt drivetrain to last upwards of 30,000km/19,000mi. Additionally, belts will not rust if they get wet regularly (or are subject to salt near the beach). You don't need to lubricate or degrease your belt.

Do belt drive bikes have gears?

Belt drives need an internally-geared hub. The belt is wide and very stiff, so you can't just use a derailleur to shift it onto another cog for changing gears. It has exactly one chainring in the front and one cog in the back, whereas a chain permits up to three in front and anywhere from 7-12 in back.

Do Belt drives have gears?

Do Belt Drive Bikes Have Gears? Yes, if your belt drive bike has an internal gear hub or fixed gear hub. ... Some belt drive bikes also possess a bracket-mounted gearbox, many of which will work with two sets of maintenance-free gears, much like the transmission in you car.

Are belt drive bikes Good for hills?

Yes, the gearing should be fine. from http://www.sheldonbrown.com/nexus8.shtml the lowest ratio is 0.57 which is as low as many mountain bikes. The belt is actually wider than a metal chain and has longer life, so should be more robust: http://www.conti-drive-system.com/pages/faq/faq_en.html.

Why do motorcycles have belt drives?

You can expect a well maintained belt drive on a motorcycle to last in excess of 100,000 km or even more. ... Belt drive systems also run much smoother, with much less jerks as compared to chain drives, and produce incomparably less noise too.

Why do sport bikes have chains?

Chains are used on many sport bikes because they have a very high strength-to-weight ratio. ... Chains can and do break, and probably need the most maintenance, in the form of cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. Chains tend to make a mess of rider and bike by flinging their lubricant about.